Almost Halfway Through the Year..

I've noticed I haven't written in here for quite some time. San Fran was awesome and we had a good time.

The purpose of this post is to recap on what's been of this year and my, I'll say it has been a ride.

I set a few goals for myself in the new year and accomplished quite a few actually. Of course I stated previously that I changed my position at work from being Project Support to MIS Specialist which is exciting. I now accomplish more challenging things and am always learning something else.

Though, the biggest one would be I moved out. I knew there would be challenges but I didn't know how much exactly. For the most of 2010, I had been saving up a "Moving Out" fund to jump-start on everything that needed to be purchased and man, I'm glad I did. The expenses sure shot up in just 2 weeks.

Buying furniture, utensils, cleaning supplies, bathroom stuff, kitchen stuff, bed room stuff. I have yet to add up on much I spend in preparing. The other set of challenges was getting everything inside/putting it together. I have to say that it is coming together nicely though I'm still not 100% done (I'm sure I'll never be) but I am content.

The biggest change for me has been having my own schedule. I almost have some sort of groove set in, but I am very open to day to day changes. In fact I welcome them. This brings into my next goal which is getting more involved with one of my hobbies "modeling". I put quotations but I don't think of myself as one at all so when I think of a better term I will use it unforgivingly.

I have started into doing only paid work as it's worth the drive and time. I recently did a HD video workshop with Canon in Rockville, MD. Check out the link below:

http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/events_calendar/event_details/cll_events/20110515_washington_dc_hd_cll.shtml

It was an experience. Meeting the established photographers, working with them, interacting with the Canon team and the other model was a lot of fun. We did simple activities while they filmed and even went outside which caused quite a stir! I learned a few basics on editing film and now I'll be able to point out all of the pointers the presenters gave. I even got invited back to participate in another one when they return.

From that experience, I wouldn't mind doing more workshops to help people learn more about their hobby/career and to take it one more step further.

This is a new chapter in my life and I can feel changes taking affect even right now. More exciting updates to come!

Looking Back in 2010

Although 2010 is technically not over, it is never a bad thing to sit down and reflect.

Having done alot of new things & accomplished a good amount, I don't want to leave anything out.

For starters I will have to say getting closer to finishing school next year is an achievement. It's not the degree I want but I didn't quit & will finish to have a degree so I can start on what I really want.
During the whole year I have been thinking about what I want to get into and well Science & anything related is a must.

Another major thing I have done was travel to places I've never been before. A few being New York, Chicago, Philly and Atlantic City. To some this may not amount to anything but to me this is a pretty big deal. I definitely want to travel more in the new year and this just opened the door. In the next year I plan on the west coast, mid-west and maybe even out of the country.

Career-wise I have turned around completely. I went from hating my job day in and day out to absolutely loving each day. Now I cannot credit this all to myself. I have to thank the people I work with in believing in me and giving me a chance. So in the next year I am determined to fully submerge myself in changing the course of where my career life is headed.

One thing I have never done before was be in a plane and well jumping out of it. The adrenaline rush you get when the plane is reaching 12,000 feet and the door opens is unexplainable. The feeling you get when you feel the wind rush in and you look down as you get into position is incredible. Finally, jumping out and experiencing the free fall and you're just one with the earth is a feeling I long for. It changes your outlook on life and I am so thankful for having that opportunity.

Two books that I read over the year really changed my perspective on how I choose to live my life. The first being "Cheap" which basically illustrates our spending habits as a globally economy and how we affect the world. The book also discusses the hidden costs of costly made products. The second is "The 7 habits of Highly Effective People" which illustrates everything you could possibly think of. It has helped me realize that I am in control of my habits, emotions, reactions... life in general and how you can cultivate yourself to being who you want to be.

Since then, I am more aware of myself and how my actions affects others. I do my best to purchase USA made, local, non animal-tested food & products. I can only hope to inspire others to make transitions to make the world a better place. Also I have become more thankful despite any situation I am in. If I am having a bad day or something minute is affecting me, I just take a step back and am thankful that I am in that situation and that my life could be much much worse.

I completed a 8k fun run this year despite having numerous foot problems, lung issues and having never ran before. During training I had actually injured myself and was unable to run for about 2 weeks before the race. But all in all I finished the race in pretty good time and the high I felt afterwards was unbearable. I was so proud that I could accomplish this while helping out a good cause. Another physical thing I accomplished was the Maryland State Police Polar Plunge. I had a great team to do it with and will be doing the same this coming January. What this proved to me was that it is mostly all mental and if you think you can do it, then you can and vice versa.

One major goal I have for the new year is moving out on my own ( most likely with a roommate I know, trust & can be 100% honest with ). Another goal I have is to have a clearer picture of what I want to do with my life and know how to go about doing so. I want to continue the great habits I have developed into the new year and be more serious about staying in good health & working out more than I am right now. I also want to continue to do my very best at work & maintain the great relationships new & old that I have.

2011 will be a truly exciting year & I can't wait to accomplish these goals and then some!